Student Consumer Information

Federal regulations require institutions to disclose certain consumer information for students in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. American Sentinel has consolidated this information in one location to help students make an informed decision relevant to their education.

In addition to the information below, the following links to American Sentinel degree programs provide information required by federal regulations that will allow you to make informed decisions relevant to your education:

View consumer information for:

Graduation Data

Data on graduation rates collected through IPEDS reporting examines only the percentage of first-time undergraduate level higher education students completing their program of study. American Sentinel admitted one first time, full-time undergraduate student in the cohort year.

American Sentinel educates a unique population of students, many of whom are completing their program while working full-time and managing their home life. The University believes that every student should have sufficient time to complete their program and thus will not calculate graduation rates until the last student in a cohort has finished studying. American Sentinel allows five years to complete the MBA Healthcare, MSISM, and MSBIA programs and six years to complete the RN to BSN, RN to BSN/MSN (previously RN-MSN), MSN and DNP programs.

The likelihood of individual student success cannot be determined by looking at cohort graduation rates. However, the University makes strenuous efforts to match students with programs for which they are well-prepared and have outcomes aligned with student goals. As a result, this information on the graduation rates for individual programs is provided to give students an indication of the difficulty in program completion faced by similarly situated program entrants.

Federal regulations require institutions to provide certain consumer information to its students annually, along with an annual statement of procedures on where such information can be obtained. Data on retention rates collected through IPEDS reporting examines only the percentage of first-time undergraduate level higher education students returning for a second year of study. American Sentinel enrolled zero first-time undergraduate students in the cohort year 2015.

As all of American Sentinel’s current programs are designed for students with significant prior higher education, these rates provide no insight into the University’s ability to promote the success of students in their first year and no basis for comparison to other institutions.

In an effort to provide meaningful data, American Sentinel has calculated retention rates using as its sample all students beginning study at the University in a cohort year. Students who enroll in a program but never actually begin a course are excluded from this calculation. American Sentinel’s retention rate for the 2015 enrollment year is 87%.

The University believes that program-specific data provides a better indication of the likelihood of similarly situated program entrants continuing their studies beyond the initial year.

Retention Rates by Program for 2016 Enrollment Year (2017 reporting year)

DNP

90.9%

MBA HC (both versions combined)

88.6%

• MBA HC

88.6%

• MBA HC CBE

88.9%

MSBIA

85.7%

MSISM

66.7%

MSN

90.5%

RN to BSN

89%

RN to BSN/MSN

94.4%

A paper copy is available upon request.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) (20 U.S.C.§ 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) as amended, is a federal law that sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student records. FERPA governs the disclosure of student records maintained by an educational institution as well as access to those records. FERPA rights begin when a student is accepted by an institution. Institutions that receive funds administered by the Federal Office of Education are bound by FERPA requirements and failure to comply may result in the loss of an institution’s federal funding.

Policy

American Sentinel University abides by and follows all federal guidelines, provisions and regulations under FERPA. (See References and Definitions for full title.)

The following are subdivisions of FERPA rights and regulations:

Annual notification of FERPA rights – Each educational agency or institution shall annually notify parents of students currently in attendance, or eligible students currently in attendance, of their rights under the Act and this part. 99.7 (a) (1)

American Sentinel notifies students annually in a manner that reasonably reaches or is available to all students, including students who are disabled (including sight and hearing impaired).

American Sentinel ensures that all materials are available in an accessible format that can be used to best serve any student needing additional assistance.

American Sentinel publishes the annual notification as a policy statement that is available in the academic catalog, student handbook and faculty handbook. Each publication is available in a pdf format.

Student FERPA rights – FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Education records as defined by Section 99.3 of FERPA are “(1) directly related to a student; and (2) maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution.” These rights include the following:

The right to inspect and review the student’s education record(s) within 45 days of the day the registrar receives a written request for access to certain identified record(s). The school will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Students may obtain copies of their education records for a nominal charge.

The right to request the amendment of any part of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of his/her privacy rights. A written request for amendment that fully describes the specific reason(s) for the requested change must be given to the registrar. Following review, the student will be informed of any amendments or denials of amendment to his or her education records, including a detailed explanation for the decision rendered. Students have a right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment and can request such a hearing in writing to the Grievance and Appeals Committee. At the hearing, the student can present evidence relevant to the disputed issues. All decisions made by the Grievance and Appeals Committee are final. Copies of all requests and written documentation regarding the contents of a student’s education record will be retained as part of that student’s permanent record.

The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except in a situation where FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:Family Policy Compliance OfficeUS Department of Education400 Maryland Avenue, SWWashington, DC 20202-5901Phone: 202.260.3887Fax: 202.260.9001

Disclosure without consent – FERPA only authorizes disclosure of personally identifiable information from educational records without the prior written consent of the student in specific circumstances, as described below.

One circumstance that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by a school in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position or a person serving on the Board of Trustees. or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review education records in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

The following school officials and their staffs are responsible for maintaining student records within their respective administrative areas in accordance with the policies of this statement and the relevant state and federal laws:

Chief Executive Officer

Compliance

Controller

Director, Financial Aid

Director, Information Technology

President

Provost

Registrar

Vice President, Student Success & Retention

If further information is required, contact theappropriate school official.

Other instances where student information may be disclosed without the permission of the student include, but are not limited to:

Disclosure made to authorized representatives of the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of the Inspector General, accreditation and licensure agencies, and state and local education authorities. An authorized representative is any entity or individual designated by a State or local educational authority or an agency headed by an official listed, in Section 99.31 of FERPA, to conduct – with respect to Federal – or State-supported education programs – any audit or evaluation, or any compliance or enforcement activity in connection with Federal legal requirements that relate to these programs.

Disclosure in complying with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.

Disclosure in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied.

Disclosure made to the student’s parent if the student is a dependent of the parent as defined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Disclosure made to organizations that are conducting studies concerning the administration of student aid programs on behalf of educational agencies or institutions.

Record of disclosures – The registrar maintains a record of each request for access and each disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records of each student. This record shall be maintained with the education records of each student and will include the parties who have requested or received information and the legitimate interests the parties had in requesting or obtaining the information.

1. American Sentinel is not required to keep record of disclosures made to:

The student.

School officials with legitimate educational interests.

Parties with written consent from the student.

Parties receiving records as directed by law enforcement subpoena whereby the court has ordered that the existence of the subpoena not be disclosed.

Directory information

Directory information means information contained in an education record that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed (Section 99.3 of FERPA).

Directory information may be released without prior student consent upon request by an individual or agency.

2. American Sentinel University defines directory information as the following:

Name

State or country of residence

Email address

Program

Major field of study

Grade level (undergraduate, graduate)

Degree & awards received

FERPA provides students the right to withhold disclosure of their directory information. American Sentinel University releases this information as a service to its students. Students are encouraged to carefully consider the ramifications of withholding directory information. The student may opt out their inclusion in the institution’s directory list up to 60 days after the annual notification is published or 60 days after their initial enrollment. A request to opt out that is received after the 60 day deadline will take effect with the publication of the next annual notification. If the student does not wish the school to authorize the release of any of the above information, please go to the following link, sign and return the Directory Information Release Form.

Procedure

Record of disclosures:

American Sentinel University keeps record of requests for student-record disclosure in the student information system as an information release. This was enacted January 2011; prior to this date, such information was kept in the student’s physical file. This disclosure is housed in the student’s file and contains the date requested, the name of the agency requesting information and type of information requested. This information remains a part of the student’s permanent file.

Campus Security and Crime Prevention Information

American Sentinel University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). American Sentinel’s policy is prepared in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies. Per the Clery Act, nothing in the law shall be construed to permit a school to retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce or otherwise discriminate against any individual.

The university attempts to provide students and employees with a safe and secure environment in which to study and work. American Sentinel’s offices are open during posted hours. The university’s offices are secured during times the school is not open. American Sentinel does not have a physical campus location or residential facilities for students.

Hate Crime Response and Prevention

H.R.2217: The term “hate crime” is defined as a crime in which the defendant intentionally selects a victim–or in the case of a property crime, a piece of property – because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or homeless status of that person.

American Sentinel University does not condone hate crimes or bias acts, as defined by H.R.2217 and is committed to providing an environment that is safe for all staff, faculty, students and visitors.

For the health and well-being of the American Sentinel University community, it is essential that individuals or groups who feel targeted and/or affected by bias or hate acts are able to easily report incidents and receive services.

If a student or office visitor witnesses any act that may be considered a hate crime or bias act (against him or herself, a fellow student or visitor, or another person), he or she should contact American Sentinel’s Compliance Office immediately.

The director of compliance prepares an annual report of hate crimes. This information is posted on the American Sentinel website.

All Internet data that is composed, transmitted or received via the American Sentinel computer communications systems is considered to be part of the official records of the university and is reviewed annually. Such information is also subject to disclosure to law enforcement or other third parties. Consequently, students should always ensure that the information contained in Internet email messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical and lawful

All Internet data that is composed, transmitted, or received via the American Sentinel computer communications systems is considered to be part of the official records of the school and, as such is reviewed annually, along with being subject to disclosure to law enforcement or other third parties. Consequently, students should always ensure that the business information contained in the Internet email messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical, and lawful.

The equipment, services and technology provided via the Internet are the property of the school. As such, the university reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic, and retrieve and read any data composed, sent or received through our online connections and stored in our computer systems. Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed or received via the Internet must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating or disruptive to any employee or other person. Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, derogatory gender-specific comments, or any other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The unauthorized use, installation, copying or distribution of copyrighted, trademarked, or patented material on the Internet is prohibited. As a general rule, if a student did not create the material, does not own the rights to it or has not secured authorization for its use, the material should not be put on the Internet. Likewise, copyrighted and/or trademarked information should not be downloaded from the Internet to the school’s networks or devices without obtaining prior permission in writing or having possession of a legal bill of sale or license from the owner.

Abuse of school-provided Internet access will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or expulsion. Students may also be held personally liable for any violations of this policy. The following behaviors are prohibited and can result in disciplinary action:

Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the university or initiate unwanted Internet services.

Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the university’s image or reputation, including the use of the university name, titles and positions in any publication that may be perceived as offensive.

Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene material.

Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals.

Attempting to break into the computer system of another organization or person.

Performing operations intended to identify security vulnerabilities or disrupt service of another organization.

Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation.

Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations or advertisements not related to education purposes or activities.

Using the Internet for political causes or activities, religious activities or any sort of gambling.

Jeopardizing the security of the university’s electronic communications systems.

Sending or posting messages that disparage another organization’s products or services or passing personal views as those of the university.

Sending anonymous email messages.

Engaging in any other inappropriate or illegal activities.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

American Sentinel University is committed to providing students and employees an environment free of alcohol and drugs. The unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs or alcohol on property owned, leased, used or rented by American Sentinel University is strictly prohibited. Use of alcohol at American Sentinel-sponsored events–other than those where alcohol is provided – is prohibited.

American Sentinel University will cooperate fully with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Health Risks

The risks associated with the use of drugs and alcohol is numerous and may include physical and mental impairment, emotional and psychological deterioration. To learn more about the health risks associated with drugs and alcohol abuse please visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.

Treatment and Prevention Resources

Information about drug and alcohol prevention, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation, and re-entry programs can be provided by one of the community organizations below. Additional programs may be listed in local and other area telephone directories.

Sanctions American Sentinel University Will Impose for Alcohol or Drug Violations

Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the university, immediate termination of employment, and/or

Formal Warning

Placement of probationary status

Withholding of an official transcript or degree

Suspension

Students who violate city, state, or federal laws will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials. Students subject to these sanctions will be afforded all due process rights to which they are entitled by law and under our Code of Student Conduct.

Employees with questions about this policy or issues related to drug or alcohol use in the workplace should raise their concerns with their supervisor or the Director, Human Resources without fear of reprisal.

Voter Registration

Students not registered to vote can use the following websites to obtain voter registration requirements for their state:

Contact Information

American Sentinel University knows that working healthcare professionals are very different from traditional classroom students. That’s why we purposely designed our curriculum strictly for online education. We became one of the first in the nation to do so, and one of the few online institutions to focus solely on healthcare. The difference this makes is palpable. The confidence our faculty inspires is contagious. But it’s the personal and professional satisfaction our graduates find in the workplace that keeps us going. Find out why working healthcare professionals choose American Sentinel University.

Payment plans as low as $250/mo:** Refers to the monthly payment for the RN to B.S. Nursing program under the UBenefit Payment Plan. Payment plan terms for other programs may vary.Participants in the UBenefit Payment Plan will graduate with a balance owed to the University, but the UBenefit Payment Plan allows the graduate to pay off the remaining balance in fewer than 36 months. No interest is charged.

Debt free:** Based on 2017 data. This figure includes graduates paying out of pocket for their education and those receiving tuition reimbursement from their employer.The University also offers payment plans financed over four or nine month increments depending on program of study that will allow a participant to graduate debt free.